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Queen Mary of Denmark is making the most of autumn Down Under by repeating one of her most loved outfits from the past year.
Ever the thrifty royal, Mary, who is currently touring Australia with husband King Frederik X, wore the designer Max Mara ensemble again on Monday afternoon at Parliament House, after spending the morning at the War Memorial in Canberra.
Having appeared in a gorgeous navy gown and snakeskin shoes earlier in the day, the Aussie-born mother of four changed into the pastel pink, faded linen Max Mara blazer, matching white vest and trousers to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
She paired her slick, autumnal look with beige pumps, a matching dusty pink bag, a belt and understated jewellery. Her hair also appeared recently darker and a little shorter, while her nails had a subtle pink gloss.
After a quick photo opportunity outside Parliament House, the pair headed inside and spoke in the Cabinet Room.
Back in 2025, when she last wore the look at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, she opted for the exact same accessories, though had added a bright red nail for a pop of colour.
It’s been a busy few days for the Danish royal couple, who have been truly making the most of their six-day official visit to Australia.
The trip, running from 14 March to 19 March, marks the couple’s first visit to Australia since ascending the throne in 2024, and Denmark’s first official state visit to the country in more than four decades.
Queen Mary of Denmark is making the most of autumn Down Under by repeating one of her most loved outfits from the past year
Ever the thrifty royal, Mary wore the designer Max Mara ensemble again on Monday afternoon at Parliament House, after spending the morning at the War Memorial in Canberra (left, on Monday and right in May, 2025)
After a quick photo opportunity outside Parliament House, the pair headed inside and spoke in the Cabinet Room
They spent Monday morning honouring the fallen and meeting members of the public at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where they paid their respects by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Hall of Memory.
For this occasion, Queen Mary, 54, wore one of her signature shades – navy blue – opting for a sophisticated high-neck dress with long sleeves and a hemline that skimmed her shins.
She paired the elegant ensemble with a silver brooch, striking snakeskin stilettos and a matching blue netted headband that swept her brunette hair neatly back.
The polished look was a contrast to the flowing, semi-sheer floral gown and grey-blue fascinator she wore the evening before. For both appearances, however, she chose a clean makeup palette with a soft pink lip.
The Tasmanian-born royal appeared entirely at ease back on home soil, smiling warmly as she greeted well-wishers while moving through a packed schedule of official engagements.
But while the monarch appears composed and confident during her historic return Down Under, a royal etiquette expert Jo Hayes says there may be a deeper emotional current beneath the polished surface.
Despite the excitement surrounding the tour – which includes stops at Uluru, Canberra, Melbourne and Hobart – there is one notable presence quietly weighing in the background.
Mary’s beloved father, John Donaldson, whom she has made time to visit at the end of her trip, is understood to be in declining health.
They spent Monday morning honouring the fallen and meeting members of the public at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where they paid their respects by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Hall of Memory
For this occasion, Queen Mary, 54, wore one of her signature shades – navy blue – opting for a sophisticated high-neck dress with long sleeves and a hemline that skimmed her shins
For some observers, that context has raised questions among Australians watching the tour unfold. Is the Queen distracted? Does she seem slightly ‘off’? Or is she simply performing the role she has spent decades preparing for?
‘There’s no doubt her father’s declining health is on her mind – he’s 84 and in a frail condition according to reports. And as she doesn’t get to spend much time with him, she’s no doubt chomping at the bit to see him at the end of this official visit,’ Ms Hayes told the Daily Mail.
However, she said, many Australians only tune into Mary’s public appearances when she returns home, meaning the public is now seeing a version of her that has been carefully shaped by 25 years inside one of Europe’s oldest monarchies.
‘As much as Australia loves her, most Aussies don’t pay much attention to what she’s up to until she’s back here in Australia,’ Ms Hayes explained.
‘And on her rare official visits we often don’t see too much of her or hear her speak.
The polished look was a contrast to the flowing, semi-sheer floral gown and grey-blue fascinator she wore the evening before
The Danish royals enjoyed a sunset tour of iconic landmark Uluru on Saturday. Once again, Mary was perfectly dressed for the occasion
‘So what we’ve seen in these first couple of days of this official state visit – her first as Queen of Denmark – is arguably the most we’ve ever seen of her here.’
Ms Hayes said Mary’s behaviour may therefore surprise some Australians who remember the Tasmanian-born marketing executive who famously met Frederik at a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympics.
‘She’s warm and friendly, absolutely. But she behaves as she should – as royalty,’ Ms Hayes said.
‘She holds herself beautifully. Back straight, chin up, walking gracefully and confidently wherever she goes – whether she’s bushwalking in boots at Uluru swatting flies, or glammed up for the state dinner at Parliament House.
‘She’s honed this deportment over the past 25 years and it sets her apart from the more relaxed Aussie vibe most of us are used to here – even from our politicians and other “important people”.’
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